The mother of a Weston Hospicecare patient, who died at the hospice at end of May aged 37, will walk the Midnight Beach Walk on 7 September in memory of her daughter.

Claire Rutter was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 31 and died at the hospice on 19 May after her illness spread. Before her death, Claire was able to have her dream wedding to Rob Cope who she had been with for nine years.

Claire’s story hit the local headlines after her wedding in May and now her mother, Katrina, will walk the gentle 5km route with close family in memory.

Katrina will be joined by her sister, her daughters and her sister-in-law to raise awareness and to support the hospice.

Katrina said: “Claire had breast cancer when she was 31. At 36, she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer and had tumours on the bones.

“In February of this year, it had spread to her liver and lungs. In the months leading up to her passing, the cancer had progressively spread further.

“Claire passed away on 19 May leaving three beautiful girls age 14 years old, three years old and 20 months old.

“I was able to stay with Claire the whole time she was at the hospice which was seven weeks.

“The nurses allowed me to care for my daughter but I knew all I had to do was ask and they would be there if I needed help.

The hospice’s bereavement team offers emotional and spiritual support for families in the event their loved ones die.

Katrina says that if she is ever able to accept the loss of her daughter, the hospices support will be key.

She said: “Dr Helen (Horgan) and all the staff were amazing, the care and support that they gave to Claire was outstanding.

“Myself and my family also received the same outstanding care and support. After a couple of days of being in the hospice Claire said she felt ‘safe’ and I could see that she was more relaxed.

“I received exceptional support from Dr Helen, the nurses and the support team they were always there for all of us.

“Claire had her dream wedding at Batch Country House whilst staying at the hospice and all the staff helped to support and ensure all was running smoothly for her.

“The ongoing support has been amazing. I am at present having support from the hospice which is helping, I am not sure if I will come to terms with losing Claire but with the support from the hospice hopefully one day I will.

“Any women thinking of registering for the Midnight Beach Walk please do it now. You will be joining many women walking together to support their local hospice in Weston and the surrounding areas.

“Weston Hospicecare needs our help they do an amazing job caring for our loved ones. The atmosphere is amazing it is also fun, rewarding and tranquil. Come and join us to see for yourself.”

The hospice offers physical, psychological, spiritual and emotional support to those with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Last year the Midnight Beach Walk raised more than £26,000 with 342 women taking part in the 5km route.

The deadline to sign up for this year’s event is 4 September. To register visit the designated registration page by clicking here.

For more information, visit the event page on our website by clicking here.